Posted 21/05/2010

Opotiki youth are making their town a work of art, wall by wall, through the Youth Art in Public Places project.

Opotiki is a small rural town in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with one of the largest youth populations by percentage in New Zealand.  It is a predominantly young and ageing community, and this generation gap has led to some frictions. 

"Three years ago, Opotiki was plagued by graffiti.  Businesses were forever cleaning scribbles off their walls, and something had to be done about it," says Opotiki Youth Aid Officer Constable Ian Dodds.

Opotiki Bluelight was looking for a project to restore the faith of the community in their young people.  Two years ago, Opotiki Police, through Opotiki Bluelight, formed a partnership with the Opotiki Children's Art House.  This resulted in a project that has seen more than 200 children from 12 schools painting 14 murals in areas around town that were previously graffiti targets.

"The project has always been more than painting a nice picture on a wall," says Constable Ian Dodds.  "It's about instilling a sense of civic pride with our young people and showing the business community what our young people can actually achieve."

Prior to the project, the police received 6-8 graffiti complaints a month.  Graffiti and tagging problems have decreased dramatically since the appearance of the murals, which haven't been vandalised.

The Acorn Foundation contributed funding, as a Tindall Foundation Funding Manager, for the 'Rua Whakairo' mural (meaning "the art of us all").  This mural was recently completed on the Smith City wall, which is about 40 metres long.  Three schools produced their own designs for their sections of the wall. 

Prints of the Opotiki murals will be featured at Te Papa for their murals programme from September 2010.

For further information contact:

Constable Ian Dodds, Opotiki Youth Aid Officer, Opotiki Police

Phone: 07 315 1117

Email: Ian.Dodds@police.govt.nz

Posted 21/05/2010

Community Foundations are working together to provide resources that will make a lasting difference in their local communities.

In March 2010, 68 voluntary Trustees from 11 Community Foundations throughout New Zealand gathered in Wellington to learn more about encouraging generosity in their local regions.

The Tindall Foundation and J R McKenzie Trust funded this second Community Foundations workshop, following the success of the first.

The Tindall Foundation has been generous with its support as it sees community foundations being crucial to the wellbeing of local communities.  New Zealand Community Foundations provide a vehicle for people to give effectively to their local community. 

It is one of the fastest growing forms of philanthropy internationally.  These place-based foundations simplify philanthropic giving for people wanting to "give where they live".

Workshop speakers included the Melbourne Community Foundation CEO Sarah Davies and Wellington fundraising expert Kitty Hilton.

For more information contact:

Nicky Wilkins, Acorn Foundation Executive Officer
Email: nicky@acornfoundation.co.nz

Website: www.acornfoundation.co.nz

Posted 24/03/2010

What's the story behind the name 'Stone Soup'? 

A traveller arrived at a village carrying an empty pot.  The traveller said, "I am making Stone Soup, which tastes wonderful, although it would taste even better if it had a carrot."  One by one, each villager added different ingredients to the pot, and together they shared delicious Stone Soup.

A community in Whanganui has been sharing Stone Soup together since September 2007.  Stone Soup gatherings are run by community members and groups, including Christian and Maori youth organisation Te Ora Hou - Whanganui. 

Usually around 350 people gather at a local park every 8 weeks for hangi, games and music.

"We're helping to remove barriers, but the skills come from the community," says Judy Kumeroa of Te Ora Hou.  "That's the beauty of it - people are stepping up as they recognise they have something to offer."

Judy mentions a 19-year-old young man who is a "core Stone Soup worker", volunteering to get up at 4am to prepare the hangi at Te Ora Hou.

The community Stone Soup serves is generally low-income, with associated social issues.  Stone Soup gatherings are gang patch-free and no-alcohol events that have a positive focus on family and community. 

Community discussions are held during each Stone Soup gathering.  As a result, the community has started up a shared garden, crafts and walking groups, and an intermediate-age boys' club.

Stone Soup received funding from The Tindall Foundation through Whanganui Community Foundation, one of our regional Funding Managers.

For more information contact:

Judy Kumeroa, Manager Te Ora Hou (Whanganui)

Email: whanganui@teorahou.org.nz

Website: www.teorahou.org.nz

Posted 24/03/2010

Teen parents face the challenge of adapting to an adult role while still forming their own identity.

Since 2001, Auckland Women's Centre (AWC) has worked alongside young people as they go through the major life change of becoming parents. 

Approximately 600 young parents a year take part in the AWC Teen Parent Project.  AWC provides a positive parenting programme, events, mentoring, peer support, family services and youth-friendly resources.

One young mum says being involved in the project has given her "a great sense of purpose".

The Tindall Foundation is contributing funds towards developing the Teen Parent Project into a Teen Parent Centre.

"The donation from The Tindall Foundation is helping us turn our vision for a new centre into reality," says Annalise Myers, AWC Teen Parent Centre Development Manager.  "We have new resources to ensure it's innovative, sustainable and community-based."

AWC is working in partnership with a dedicated group of teen parents, community members and Massey University's SHORE research centre to identify directions for the new centre.

For more information contact:

Annalise Myers, AWC Teen Parent Centre Development Manager

Email: youngparent@womenz.org.nz

Website: www.awc.org.nz

Posted 28/01/2010

It is a challenging time for the not-for-profit sector in the current economic situation, and many organisations have had to take budget cuts in staff training. 

The Tindall Foundation scholarships for Unitec Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management students have made training more accessible for people working in the sector. 

The scholarships subsidise course fees for students, who are usually in their first year of study, are on relatively low incomes, or face the barrier of long-distance travel.

Students and their organisations alike benefit from the practical programme, which has classes on topics such as financial management and leadership skills.

This training would not be possible without scholarship funding for students working in small community organisations with limited resources.

"The lecturers provide a bridge between the work out there and the study I need to do to develop my skills," says student Zane Scarborough.  "The Tindall scholarship has supported me where my work wouldn't have been able to."

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation assisted 55 students on the Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management programme.

For more information contact:

Hilary Star Foged, Programme Director, Graduate Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management
Unitec New Zealand
Email: hstarfoged@unitec.ac.nz

Website: www.unitec.ac.nz

Posted 08/01/2010

Christchurch's Future Life Foundation Trust has established an innovative way for at-risk youth to gain self-esteem and enhance their employment opportunities - through a log-building project.

Young people are taught the specialised techniques used to construct log buildings, plus the care and handling of chainsaws.

Last year a dozen young men constructed the shell of a log building to head height, tutored by Graeme Mould of the Log Builders Association of NZ.

The participants all gained NZQA standards in chainsaw proficiency as well as a great sense of pride in their accomplishments, says Dick Maskill, originator of the project.

"You would not believe the effect it has had on them. The work is quite demanding, but by applying themselves they've gained an immense boost in self-esteem. One has carried on to further experience in the log-building industry, while several others have improved their career situations."

For the project, the Future Life Foundation worked in conjunction with the Bluelight Canterbury Youth Development Programme Trust, a movement set up to help young offenders turn their lives around.  "We couldn't carry the project on our own," says Maskill, "but its aims fit perfectly with those of the CYDP."

Stage Two of the pilot building programme, scheduled for January 2010, is to complete the log shell through to the roof structure. On completion, it will be used as a display building to gain orders for similar buildings from community organisations.  Several organisations have already expressed interest in buying such a building.

Future Life Foundation Trust received Tindall Foundation funding which was approved by the Christchurch Catholic Diocesan Welfare Council, acting as a Faith-based Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Dick Maskill, Future Life Foundation Trust

Email: rd.maskill@xtra.co.nz

Posted 28/01/2010

Unemployment and under-employment are the reality for many skilled immigrants arriving in New Zealand.

The OMEGA Mentoring Programme is helping to build diverse and effective workplaces by linking immigrants with similarly skilled business professionals, who offer sector-specific mentoring with the aim of removing the barriers preventing entry to the workforce.

"If I remove the input I've had, it is possible that I would have continued without success for a long time.  The mentoring made a big difference," says Vaughan Granier, who arrived from Dubai.

OMEGA has facilitated over 170 mentoring matches since its inception in 2008, and 80% of mentees who complete the programme find relevant employment. 

There have been 12 internship placements to date - a good outcome in a time of economic and job insecurity. 

OMEGA works in partnership with corporates, government and community organisations, including the Auckland Regional Migrant Services Charitable Trust (ARMS).

The Tindall Foundation introduced the concept of OMEGA to the Committee for Auckland, and funded its set-up, after seeing the success of TRIEC, a similar project run by the Maytree Foundation in Toronto. 

For more information contact:

Justin Treagus, OMEGA Programme Director
Email: justin.treagus@omega.org.nz

Website: www.omega.org.nz

Posted 28/01/2010

Many New Zealanders have been pushed into financial crisis by the economic recession.  Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is changing people's lives by helping them become debt-free.

"Clients often don't have the financial knowledge or education to manage their money and it's a change in circumstances that pushes them over the edge," says Tara Kirby of CAP.

CAP is an in-depth debt counselling service that works through local churches.  It started in the UK 13 years ago and arrived in New Zealand in January 2008.  They have already opened 4 centres here and helped over 140 families out of debt.

Each client is visited in their home by a debt advisor and support worker to work together on a budget.  The client then makes a weekly payment into a CAP account to cover all their debts, which CAP distributes on their behalf.

Mother-of-six Josie was struggling to buy her family essentials like milk and school clothes before CAP helped her how to budget better.  "They've taken all the stress off me," she says.

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation provided funding to help CAP NZ establish its national office.

For more information contact:

Tara Kirby, Head of Partnership, Christians Against Poverty

Email: tara.kirby@capnz.org

Website: www.capnz.org

Posted 11/01/2010

Clubhouse 274 is providing an innovative after-school hub which is connecting Otara youth into the digital community.

The Clubhouse is New Zealand's first member of an international network of over 100 Computer Clubhouses, initiated through the Museum of Science and MIT Media Labs in Boston.

The Computer Clubhouse Trust was formed by the community to promote high levels of digital fluency in young people.  Through the Clubhouse, youth are re-engaging with school and establishing career pathways for themselves.

The community approach to ICT includes a purpose-built Computer Clubhouse located on the campus of Te Whanau o Tupuranga and Clover Park Middle School, a free community high speed Wireless Network and access to low-cost laptops. 

Clubhouse members learn about music and video production, robotics, 3D modelling, animation and photography.

"Before I came to Clubhouse I didn't realise I could write and record music, but now I can," says Ofoi Tamumoelau from Te Whanau o Tupuranga. 

The Tindall Foundation helped fund the set-up of the Computer Clubhouse Wireless network and a development lab within the University of Auckland, as well as the pilot laptop project.

For more information contact:

Kane Milne, Community Manager, Clubhouse 274

Email: kane@clubhouse274.org.nz

Website: www.clubhouse274.org.nz

Posted 11/01/2010

The Hikurangi Foundation is galvanising New Zealanders to take action on environmental sustainability and climate change.  

The Foundation leads innovative and practical projects, such as promoting energy-efficient homes, an in-depth survey of 'green' philanthropic giving, and building a low-carbon domestic tourism industry.

They have supported a pilot project promoting sustainable tourism on the Kapiti Coast.  The first Kapiti Day Out was held in April 2009.  Wellingtonians were offered 150 free train tickets to the Kapiti Coast, where shuttles, bikes and even horses were provided to get around the local attractions.  The project is a joint initiative between partners including Nature Coast Enterprise, Kapiti Coast District Council and The Hikurangi Foundation.

Liana Stupples of The Hikurangi Foundation says the people who took part in the Kapiti Day Out aren't "greenies".  "These are ordinary people who are doing something about climate change," she says.  "They reduced their carbon footprint by 60% and had a great day."

Liana believes the Kapiti project "demonstrated a real demand for hassle-free, low-carbon means of transport for visitors".

The Tindall Foundation and Todd Foundation are founding funders of the charitable trust from 2008.

For more information contact:

Liana Stupples, Executive Director, The Hikurangi Foundation

Email: liana.stupples@googlemail.com

Website: www.hikurangi.org.nz

Posted 08/01/2010

SCOPE - Capacity Building

Many Auckland not-for-profit groups are strengthening their capacity to become even more effective at delivering quality services for their communities.

In 2005, The Tindall Foundation funded the 2-year SCOPE (Strengthening Community Organisations Project) pilot in the Auckland area.  Fifty small community organisations were assisted by not-for-profit sector consultants, at no charge to the groups. 

McLaren Park and Henderson South Community Initiative (MPHS), in West Auckland, was a recipient of SCOPE funding.  They received coaching on financial systems, governance and strategic planning.

"We now have strong internal structures and five funding agreements for 3-4 years that enable us to get on with our work," says MPHS Manager Rochana Sheward.

MPHS manages various community development programmes, such as their Project Twin Streams contract to restore the Oratia and Opanuku stream banks.

The SCOPE Long-term Outcomes Evaluation Report was published in June 2009.  SCOPE was a turning point for the sustainability of many other organisations. 

The Tindall Foundation has since contracted NFP Works Ltd, an independent business, to provide capacity building support to small Tindall Foundation-funded community organisations in Auckland and Northland.

For more information contact:

Dave Richards, Projects and Strategy Manager, The Tindall Foundation
Email: dave.richards@tindall.org.nz

Website: www.tindall.org.nz/scope-capacity-building-pilot-project

Posted 08/01/2010

The Carbon Farming Group (CFG) is keeping New Zealand farmers informed of climate change issues, with an online carbon calculator and suggestions on how to reduce farm emission levels. 

CFG provides independent, neutral information through their website, newsletters and factsheets.  Their simple carbon calculator shows farmers what their carbon footprint might look like, by working out the level of emissions from their farms averaged over New Zealand conditions.

"We keep a watching brief on climate change and look at wider farm sustainability," says Clayton Wallwork, forestry consultant and CFG trustee.

When CFG was launched in June 2008, their focus was to inform the rural sector of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) legislation.  While that is still a core focus, the CFG is looking to provide information on other relevant issues for local farmers, such as Soil Carbon.

The Tindall Foundation undertook a climate change scan which instigated the development of an umbrella group on activities and services related to land-based climate change.  CFG was subsequently set up as a charitable trust with funding from The Tindall Foundation.

For more information contact:

Clayton Wallwork, Carbon Faming Group 

Email: info@carbonfarming.org.nz

Free phone within New Zealand: 0800 123 733

Website: www.carbonfarming.org.nz

Posted 08/01/2010

More than one million New Zealanders are actively involved in volunteer work, making up about 67 per cent of the non-profit workforce.

Volunteering NZ (VNZ) is a national body which works to promote, support and represent volunteering across New Zealand.  This includes coordinating Volunteer Awareness Week and International Volunteer Day.

Volunteering gives students work experience and helps new migrants to "get connected" within communities.

"Volunteers contribute millions of unpaid hours to sports and recreation, health, education, arts, animal welfare, cultural and faith communities, human rights, the environment and emergency services," says Tim Burns, VNZ Executive Director.

VNZ has observed generational differences in how people choose to volunteer and find their volunteering opportunities.  VolunteerNow, VNZ's volunteering opportunities website, is used much more by younger people than those in the 60s-plus age group.

The economic recession has definitely had an impact on volunteering.  In the past year, VNZ has received feedback that an increasing number of new volunteers are unemployed or have had their paid hours reduced.

The Tindall Foundation has funded the VolunteerNow website and VNZ operating costs.

For more information contact:

Tim Burns, Executive Director, Volunteering New Zealand

Email: tim.burns@volunteeringnz.org.nz

Website: www.volunteeringnz.org.nz

www.volunteernow.org.nz

Posted 11/01/2010

Catapult is boosting the skills and confidence of Christchurch youth to get them into training and employment.

Kemuel Proudlove and Drew McClean got involved with Catapult in their transition from high school into the workforce.  Kemuel and Drew handle a busy Saturday shift together at a Countdown supermarket in Christchurch. 

"Catapult has helped me develop the self-confidence and motivation to get this job," says Drew.  "I'm also gaining greater confidence in looking for other work as well."

Local young people being referred to Catapult's services are school leavers and those who have been unable to find employment through Work and Income and other avenues.

Catapult takes a positive, "client-centred" approach to assist young people to up-skill and find employment.

Catapult works alongside each client on achieving steps that include training, education, work experience, job placements and ongoing post-placement support.  Recent clients have gained employment in a local school, supermarkets, retail and factory jobs. 

In 2008, The Tindall Foundation contributed funding towards administration costs for the Intensive Transition Service for youth.

For more information contact:

Brent Trethewey, Employment Consultant

Catapult Employment Services Trust

Email: brenttrethewey@ces.org.nz

Website: www.catapult.org.nz

Posted 30/07/2009

Te Aroha Noa Early Childhood Centre in Palmerston North is a pioneering "learning community" of whanau, children and parent educators.

Te Aroha Noa has created a 'Parent Educator' model where parents are trained in areas such as observing and interacting with children.  Parents have become an important part of the team, working in a part-time paid role with early childhood trained educators.

"The idea was to create a learning team where there was no differentiation between the qualified people and the parents," says Bruce Maden, Te Aroha Noa Chief Executive.

The licensed early childhood centre is linked into the wider Te Aroha Noa Community Services, which provides holistic care for families and the community.

Te Aroha Noa is situated in the middle of a state housing block in the lower socio-economic suburb of Highbury.  They are connecting with other early childhood centres across the western suburbs of Palmerston North to enhance parenting and whanau development. 

"Word of mouth" between parents in the community has resulted in a huge roll increase.  Te Aroha Noa is currently looking to build a second early childhood centre, which would accommodate the children currently on a waiting list and more.

Bruce Maden was invited by The Tindall Foundation in September 2006 to go to Canada to investigate community-led development initiatives.  In 2007, The Tindall Foundation funded Te Aroha Noa's locally based, collaborative community work.

For further information contact:

Bruce Maden, Chief Executive Officer, Te Aroha Noa Community Services Trust

Email: bruce.maden@infogen.net.nz

Posted 30/07/2009

Chinese New Settlers Services Trust (CNSST) is giving parents strategies to help their teenagers walk in both Kiwi and Chinese worlds.

New Zealand-born teenagers of Chinese parents often experience tensions with their bicultural identity.  Their parents, who emigrated from China, face language and cultural barriers.

Gloria Gao, Manager and Social Worker at CNSST, says Chinese New Zealand teenagers can find it "confusing" being "Kiwi kids" at school then taking part in Chinese culture at home.

In 2008, CNSST ran their second year of 'Parenting Teenagers' workshops, which are facilitated by Chinese migrant New Zealanders.  The course is held over eight sessions, with four sessions spoken in Mandarin and Cantonese languages respectively. 

"It's a good way to promote community cohesion and make friends," says Gloria.

In China, the parenting style is traditionally strict.  The CNSST workshops advise parents of different ways to discipline and support their children, by giving them "attention, affection, acceptance and affirmation". 

Gloria says parents on the course "accept the positive parenting approach in New Zealand".

CNSST has six community-based centres in Auckland, providing social, cultural and educational services.

Their 'Parenting Teenagers' course received funding from The Tindall Foundation through Manukau Community Foundation, one of our regional Funding Managers.

For further information contact:

Gloria Gao, Service Manager and Social Worker, Chinese New Settlers Services Trust

Email: Gloria.Gao@cnsst.org.nz

Posted 15/07/2009

Catholic Social Services offers Dunedin fathers their own space to talk with other blokes about being a dad. 

The agency had been running parenting groups and activities for mums, but saw a need for men to focus on their particular issues as dads.  Fathers' group 'Game On' began in October 2006 with five dads.  Eight groups and 48 participants later, it has become an established course.

Game On is a men's group which does not focus on negative issues like anger, violence and loss.  "From the start it was decided that this course would take a positive look at fathering," says social worker Mike Tonks, who co-facilitates the group.

"It's a group for any father, from any walk of life, who wants to be a more active dad."

Men taking the course have included teenage dads, solo dads and those who have shared care of their children.

The six-week course, held four times a year, includes sessions on communication, boundaries, good food and smart goals. 

"I came along thinking I'd help the other guys, however I soon realised that I needed this," one participant commented. 

Another dad is putting some parenting tips into practice.  "I've tried to implement changes at home, such as turning off the TV at meal times and having fresh food for snacks and rewards for helping at home."

Game On received Tindall Foundation funding in 2007 through our New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Mike Tonks, Social Worker, Catholic Social Services

Email: office@cathsocialservices.org.nz

Website: www.cathsocialservices.org.nz

Posted 15/07/2009

"The goal in our early intervention programme and one-on-one mentoring is to make the bad days the exception and the positive days the norm," says Te Roopu O Wai Ora Co-ordinator Phil Squires.

Te Roopu O Wai Ora (Wai Ora) provides community-based support for intermediate school boys with behavioural issues.  Forty-five students have received social work support in school and after-school mentoring, which combines activities like rock climbing. 

The 'Reduction in Youth Offending Project' has been operating in the North Shore suburb of Northcote since 2003.  Youth offending has reduced significantly in the area during this time.

"We believe we'll continue to see low offending rates," says Phil Squires.  "That means better adjusted kids, happier and safer communities, and less kids vying for negative attention and doing dangerous things for thrill-seeking."

Young people who went through the early intervention programme at intermediate school have become a positive influence in their high schools, when they might have become recidivist offenders.

Wai Ora youth workers make home visits and help parents out by getting their sons to and from community work placements.  They provide support and advice for families, and attend family group conferences, court appearances and school Board of Trustee meetings.

In 2006, The Tindall Foundation made a 3-year commitment to fund the Co-ordinator's salary and administration costs.

For further information contact:

Phil Squires, Co-ordinator, Te Roopu O Wai Ora

Email: kiatoa@ihug.co.nz

Posted 18/06/2009

The goal of child protection organisation CPS is for "a community where everyone looks out for children", says Chief Executive Anthea Simcock.

Since CPS (originally named Institute for Child Protection Studies) was formed in 1994, 12,805 people have attended a programme or training on child protection. 

CPS works with anyone who has a role with children, including social workers, educators, whanau and sports coaches.  Eighteen social service agencies have made it mandatory for all their staff to go through their child protection 5-day programme.

Course participant Maxine Osterman, from Tamahere Model Country School, says it challenges myths and fears.  "It is so practical and it gives us power to change things for children."

Many people have taken action as a result of attending the programmes.  This varies from notifying authorities of a case of serious abuse to "fronting up" to a parent who hasn't strapped their child into the car seat.

"We teach people strategies to know what to do, who to call, why not to act on their own and where to get help to take the next step if they're concerned about a child," says Anthea.

CPS encourages community collaboration for child safety.  In 2004, The Tindall Foundation committed 3 years funding to CPS-led, community-based child protection programmes in South Taranaki and Whakatane. 

For further information contact:

Anthea Simcock, Chief Executive, CPS

Email: info@cps.org.nz

Website: www.cps.org.nz

Posted 18/06/2009

Skylight is a national organisation that supports children, young people and families impacted by change, loss and grief by providing information and resources to meet their needs.  They also provide advice for helping professionals, such as teachers, social workers and hospital staff.

Skylight received a two-year donation from The Tindall Foundation towards the salary of their part-time Resource Centre Support Worker.  This funding has enabled Skylight to have enough staff to meet all the weekly requests for support information, which average 20 per week.

"Requests come in from New Zealanders across the country whose families and whanau are facing tough times," says Tricia Irving-Hendry, Skylight Resource and Information Manager.

"These life situations are varied and, whatever it is, Tracey Clode [Resource Support] helps tailor our responses to the specific needs of each personal situation."

Skylight is always on the look-out for new sources of specialist support information, especially for children and young people.  In the past two years, Skylight has developed several new resources including wallet-size information leaflets for youth.  

For further information contact:

Sonja Deely, Funding Development Manager, Skylight

Email: Sonja@skylight-trust.org.nz

Website: www.skylight.org.nz

Posted 05/06/2009

"We want people and their children to leave here and believe that they do matter," says Aratupu Pre-school Supervisor Andrea Wilson-Tukaki.

Aratupu provides affordable early childhood education, and support for low income families, based out of an established centre in Papanui.  Aratupu is a service of the Christchurch Methodist Mission.

The families who come to the centre are predominantly "younger, single woman-led whanau whose main source of income is a benefit". 

Bicultural learning resources are available there, with Maori children representing 60% of enrolments.

"We don't view our children as stand-alone entities," says Andrea.  "They're part of a hapu and iwi."

Aratupu has a part-time Whanau Support Worker who meets with around 80 families each year.  Home visits address children's behaviour, nutrition and family dynamics.

Parenting courses and coffee groups are held at the centre.  "They can sit in a warm environment, chat with women in a similar situation and have a coffee - when there might be no milk or coffee at home," says Andrea.

Families have the opportunity to access other services within the Christchurch Methodist Mission, including literacy courses for people who require support with reading and writing.

Parents are given the opportunity to exchange homeware at Aratupu, including a "clothes swap" between families.

Christchurch Methodist Mission received Tindall Foundation funding for the Whanau Support Worker's salary through our WesleyCom Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Andrea Wilson-Tukaki, Centre Supervisor, Aratupu Preschool and Nursery

Email: aratupu@mmsi.org.nz

Website: www.mmsi.org.nz

Posted 05/06/2009

Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis (TWP) is creating healthier families and stronger communities by supporting Glen Innes women to take up education.

TWP is a community development initiative established by the Sisters of Mercy New Zealand in 1999.  They provide women with 'second chance' education and employment opportunities, while taking care of their children at their early childhood centre. 

The women who come to TWP are facing a number of challenges.  Some have experienced violence, others live in overcrowded homes and most struggle to pay their bills.  Early childhood education participation is low in the Glen Innes and Tamaki areas, where TWP is based.

"I wanted to be a better role model for my children and to give my babies a better start in life," says one TWP client, who has completed a Certificate in Community Skills.

In the past year, TWP had 352 certificate course enrolments in association with Unitec and Manukau Institute of Technology.

"It's about demonstrating to other women in their community that they are just as capable of completing tertiary study as anyone else," says Puamiria Maaka, TWP Manager.

The Tindall Foundation has made a 3-year commitment to fund expenses for the TWP 'He Ohaki Mai' community-based enterprise and employment project, for low income, Maori, Pacific, refugee and migrant women living in Glen Innes.

For further information contact:

Puamiria Maaka, Manager, Te Waipuna Puawai Mercy Oasis

Email: puamiria@twp.org.nz

Website: www.twp.org.nz

Posted 11/05/2009

An international community of women from 10 nationalities meets weekly in Upper Hutt to practice speaking English and to make connections.

The New Settler Women's Group started four years ago with an enthusiastic group of Sudanese women who invited others from their local ESOL (English for Speakers of Other languages) group. 

Family Works Upper Hutt now hosts 32 women and their families from Iraq, Samoa, Nepal, India, Cambodia, Malaysia, South Korea, Egypt and Argentina.  The group is open to all refugee and migrant women and their children within the wider Hutt Valley region. 

Volunteers care for children while their mothers take part in crafts, cooking and other activities.  One member of the group has cultivated her cooking skills so successfully that she now works in catering.

"They learn how to cook 'Kiwi' food and show us how to cook their own dishes," says group facilitator Taiana Anderson.

Another main activity is sewing for themselves and their children, with cotton and materials donated by the local community and volunteers.

Family Works is a network of regional Presbyterian Support services for children, families and communities across New Zealand.  The Upper Hutt centre also offers a range of parenting education and support programmes.

Family Works Upper Hutt received Tindall Foundation funding in 2007 through our Presbyterian Support Funding Manager.

For further information contact:

Kay Riddler, Centre Manager, Family Works Centre Upper Hutt

Email: familyworks-upperhutt@psc.org.nz

Website: www.psc.org.nz

Posted 11/05/2009

"We're building links between parents," says Rebecca Blissett, SPACE Coordinator at Northland Playcentre.  "People used to have support through extended family links but many don't have these anymore."

Northland Playcentre has been running SPACE (Supporting Parents alongside Children's Education) since 2007.  SPACE is an innovative New Zealand programme aimed at first-time parents.  It was formed in 2003, within the Hutt Playcentre Association, and is now being run by Playcentre Associations nationwide.

Parents on the SPACE programme have discussions on child development and parenting topics, while their babies have play sessions with rhymes, music and books.  SPACE facilitators support parents to become involved in their child's early childhood education.

"There was such a need for SPACE in Northland," says Rebecca.  "Parents weren't accessing outside support until their children were much older." 

Northland Playcentre initially started SPACE sessions for all parents in Northland, before they were approached to run a programme for teenage parents.

'SPACE Teen Parents' is targeted specifically at parents enrolled in teen antenatal programmes at Whangarei Hospital.  In this tailored SPACE programme, parents talk through ideas with each other more than they use written resources. 

The Tindall Foundation funded the first SPACE Teen Parents programme in 2007.  8 out of 10 teen parents have since joined older parents on the 40-week SPACE programme, and the other two attended a teen parent unit at their school.

For further information contact:

Rebecca Blissett, SPACE Coordinator, Northland Playcentre Association

Email: kaiwakabec@gmail.com

Posted 11/05/2009

Brainwave Trust is informing New Zealanders that supporting families in the early years of their children's lives will have a lasting effect.

The Aotearoa/New Zealand Infant Brain Development Trust, commonly known as 'Brainwave Trust', was formed in 1998 in response to scientific evidence about crucial brain development in the first three years of a child's life.

"Everyone's born with different genetic potential," says Kim van Duiven, Executive Director of Brainwave Trust.  Brainwave's philosophy is that parental bonding and day-to-day experiences help children to fulfil their potential.

Brainwave is based in Auckland with a network of 25 trained presenters throughout the country.  The Brainwave Committee includes broadcaster Jude Bailey and netballer Bernice Mene. 

Presentations are given to organisations and individuals from various child welfare and education fields, and to teen parent units and mothers in prison.

Brainwave Trust emphasises "the basics" - laughter, tactile play, talking and reading.  "It's all about spending time with your children," says Kim.

The 'Cuddlewrap' project aims to give every mother of a new baby a soft cotton wrap and an information booklet.  Four simple messages about how to enhance a baby's brain development are printed on the wrap, such as "I love it when you smile at me".

The Tindall Foundation recently funded both the Executive Director's salary and research to assess the long-term impact of Brainwave presentations.

For further information contact:

Kim van Duiven, Executive Director, Brainwave Trust

Email: kim@brainwave.org.nz

Website: www.brainwave.org.nz

Posted 05/01/2010

The Kaipara Family Centre is bringing together local people with a commitment to children's wellbeing to work with each other.

The steering group of the Family Centre was formed out of community and agency collaboration to address the needs of families with young children.  Issues faced by parents in this rural community include transport, isolation and lack of affordable child care.

The Kaipara Family Centre opened in the middle of Dargaville in June 2006.  It provides a friendly home environment for parents and caregivers to drop in, have a chat and feed their babies.

"When they've been to the supermarket and are running ragged and feeling stressed, mums can come in for a cuppa and relax," says Simone Matthews, Secretary of Kaipara Family Centre.

The Family Centre wants to make Dargaville a child-friendly place for local families and visitors.  Refreshed parents have more energy to spend longer in town, increasing community and business activity there.

Centre activities include SKIP (Strategies for Kids - Information for Parents) 'Positive Parenting' workshops and a first-time mums group run by a Plunket nurse and the Centre Coordinator.  The Coordinator's part-time salary was funded by The Tindall Foundation. 

In late 2008, an 'Early Years Services Hub' was established at Kaipara Family Centre.  A wider range of organisations and services will share overhead costs to support the long-term sustainability of the Kaipara Family Centre.

For further information contact:

Simone Matthews, Secretary, Kaipara Family Centre

Email: kaipara.sages@xtra.co.nz